Inspirational topiary artist Pearl Fryar to speak at Mars Hill College; documentary ‘A Man Named Pearl’ to be screened

This event, imho, looks fantastic. I’d love to meet Pearl Fryar. And the documentary film looks inspiring:

Late in his profession as a manual laborer, Pearl Fryar began his true life’s work in his backyard.  At nighttime and on his days off from the cannery, Fryar worked tirelessly to turn his simple Bishopville, SC lawn into a fantastical world of topiary shrubs and artwork.  He has crafted a sanctuary despite what the world told him otherwise. 

A Man Named Pearl, a documentary that peeks into his plants and philosophies, will be shown at Belk Auditorium on the campus of Mars Hill College, April 22, 2010 at 6 pm.  Mr. Fryar will also be at the event to share his unique perspective with the community. A Man Named Pearl offers a remarkable peek into not only Fryar’s beautiful garden, but also his beautiful spirit.  If you don’t know the story of Pearl Fryar, you are in for a treat.  If you do know his story, you are in for an incredible treat.  His is the story of rising above to create something from nothing.

“An Evening with Pearl Fryar” is free to the public.  The event is part of the Earth Day celebration at Mars Hill College, and is made possible by funding from Lifeworks Learning Partnership, Madison Family Farms, and grant monies from the Ford Foundation.